Disclaimer: Kishimoto owns so hard; however he was nice enough to let me fantasize...
Warning: SERIOUS yaoi ahead! Drinking, smoking, cussing... (And other bad things)
*Parental discretion is advised*
Back to basics
Sunday night
"Okay, open." Neji said as he ushered Naruto into one of the guest rooms at his house.
Naruto peeked out of his right eye first then left eye. "Neji, this is-" Naruto started. He smiled, allowing his facial expression to explain the rest.
Perfect. Neji finished the thought while locking the room door behind him and heading for the windows. He drew the blinds before pulling on the sheer curtains which billowed freely thanks to the spring time breeze that shuffled in. He took Naruto's state of awe as a good thing. Stepping across the room, he pressed play on the iPod dock in a nearby corner.
Light sounds of music echoed in the background as Naruto looked on. He felt like he was in wonderland, everything was perfect. The bed was covered with rose petals and the room was lined with small strings of lights giving it a dim romantic feel. He inhaled deeply and noted the scent of fresh potpourri and burning oils set in various places. The ambiance was very sexy, very sleek, very sensual.
Naruto's smile was losing steam fast. It wasn't due to Neji, it was just his overall weekend. There was so much on his mind right now between Sakura and Sasuke, that he didn't even know where to start sorting. While he planned to enjoy a quiet evening of self loathing at home alone, Neji insisted he come out anyway for a 'surprise'. Naruto was surprised alright. He twisted his fingers around inside the pockets of his hoodie and played along for Neji's sake; he didn't want to ruin the mood.
"I hope you like…" Neji stated.
Naruto sat on the end of the bed and shifted uncomfortably. What was there not to like? He asked himself as he avoided eye contact with Neji as the male took a seat next to him. Naruto cleared his throat, suddenly he was nervous. "It's crazy in here," Naruto remarked trying to stop his inner angst.
Neji wanted to waste no time. "Naruto, I've had the most incredible 2 weeks with you, so I decided to do something special before we went back to school." Neji said leaning in closely stealing a kiss from the blonde.
Naruto turned his head after a few seconds. "Uh, is it ok here?" He asked with unease.
Neji touched Naruto's cheek with his palm. "It's fine. I sent everyone to the west wing of the house for the night."
Of course. Naruto panicked. This kid was so perfect that it was scary; always thinking ahead, always knowledgeable. Naruto wondered what the hell Neji saw in him.
Neji embraced Naruto; tenderly he kissed down the blonde's neck. "I wanted everything to be perfect for us…" he whispered.
Naruto tried to unwind. Neji did know how to make him feel good. No matter how many times he 2nd guessed himself, the truth was that he liked Neji. He always would. Naruto scooted back on the soft surface bringing Neji along with him. He sat up and pulled off his sweat shirt then t-shirt causing Hyuga to do the same.
Every time Neji saw the marks on Naruto's stomach he got excited, he didn't know what they meant nor did he need to. He kissed the blonde's chest making his way down south gradually. He popped the bottom on his cargo pants and continued to move.
"Uhhhnnnn..." Naruto tensed as he felt warm lips followed by moist tongue on his cock. "Nnhmmm, Ne-ji." He whispered closing his eyes in elation.
Neji continued to make his partner feel good. He wanted nothing more than to make Naruto his officially. He hoped showing how loving and romantic he could be, would make Naruto fall for him 100%. No matter how much they sexed, talked or spent time together, Naruto always seemed to be off somewhere else; probably Uchiha-world. This time, Neji was making the night all about Naruto's satisfaction. He was determined to show him that he was the right choice, that they were good for each other and that with him things could be perfect.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh!" Naruto arched his back off the bed as he came, hard.
Neji breathed deeply as he tugged on Naruto's penis draining it of any more juices.
Naruto sat up and pulled Neji forward. "Let me-" he began to go for Neji's pants.
"Uhn, uhh Naruto...tonight is about you." Neji said pushing the blonde's hands back. He stood up and wiped his mouth free of moisture with his arm. Once he was minus all clothing, Neji joined the bed again and picked up where he left off.
"Ne-ji..." Naruto moaned as his toes curled under and he gripped the back of Neji's head. "Ah, ahhhh, nhhhmmm." He continued.
As Neji licked at the growing manhood in front of him, he reached down and grabbed his own member and began to pull at it. He was more excited than ever seeing Naruto twist under him in pleasure. He snaked his hand up to the blondes and squeezed it tightly as their fingers interlocked. Fuck... He thought as he too let out an audible moan.
It was time. Naruto was fully erect again. Neji thumbed the tip of his own penis as pre-cum had made it overly moist. He looked down as the object slipped in and out of his fingers easily, each time making a 'slush' noise.
"Neji, I'm gonna cum again." Naruto decided in an airy voice.
Neji looked up at him. "Not yet..." he refused stroking Naruto back and forth slowly with one hand.
Naruto's face was pink with desire, his chest rapidly rising and falling. Neji felt a shutter go over his body as he watched. Climbing up to eye level with Naruto, he positioned himself on top of the blonde before reached down gripping the boys junk again. Neji was caught off guard for a moment when Naruto pulled at his neck and reeled him in for a kiss in the mouth.
"Ahhh, shit-" The blonde's body contorted as Neji continued to stoke him below. "Dammit, you're going to make me cum again Neji..." Naruto said biting down on his bottom lip as he awaited further instruction.
Neji placed Naruto at his entrance before joining lips again. Both faces were wet with saliva as the kiss grew more and more heated.
"A-are you going to...let me cum now?" Naruto asked between tongue and lip.
"I want you inside me..." Neji said throwing Naruto for a loop.
The blonde's brows knitted together. "Ne-Neji...are you sure?" Naruto near whispered as he reached down and took his cock in hand.
Neji looked down for a moment then back into Naruto's eyes. "Yes-" he confirmed quietly as Naruto pulled him closer.
"Come here," Naruto said wrapping his arm around Neji's waist. Their lips connected just as before causing their tongues to meet and intertwine again.
"You make me so happy, Naruto." Neji murmured as he took his lips away momentarily when he felt the blonde push himself in. Neji concentrated. He wanted Naruto to know he would do anything for him. "Mmhnnnnn," he sounded off; even be the uke.
"Ahhhh," Naruto growled as he guided his tip into the warm tight space. "Ahhh, Neji-" Naruto mouthed as he pushed further.
Neji turned his head as he lowered himself onto Naruto allowing him to penetrate fully.
"Here," Naruto said guiding Neji's face back to his own. "This is-" he stopped short to lock lips again.
Slowly the two got into a rhythm. Neji moved his hips up and down on Naruto as he loosened up, allowing the shaft to slide in and out causing friction to his insides the whole time. "Uhhhhhm, ahnnnn..." Neji vocalized the sensation he was getting. "AHHHH, Naruto!" He got louder as the blonde circled his nipple with his tongue before gently tugging on it with his teeth.
"Fuck!" Naruto grunted, with one swift movement he flipped over their position and he was now in back of the Hyuga teen.
Neji felt a strong arm wrap around him. He'd never seen this side of Naruto before. He oozed testosterone right now. The previous tamed sex kitten had turned to a full blown dominating kitsune in just a matter of minutes. Neji clenched his teeth as Naruto dove harder into his already saturated hole causing the blonde to get even more excited and he moved. The entire atmosphere changed, the aura was darker and nastier as Naruto's other side took control.
Naruto bit down on Neji's neck as he reached his hand around and grabbed Neji's dick.
"Agghhh, wait..." Neji protested as Naruto began to fondle the member. "Naruto-"
"Neji, cum with me..." Naruto suggested as Neji produced more of his own lube.
"But-" Before Neji could say anymore he was overcome with jubilation as Naruto thrust into him from behind and pulled on him from the front as well. "Ahhh, ahhh, mhnnnnn!" Neji exploded in Naruto's hand prompting a chain reaction.
"Can I...inside?" Naruto panted while still holding Neji's pulsating cock tightly.
Neji wanted anything Naruto wanted. "Yessss-"
"Okay, okay…" Naruto huffed as he sunk his teeth into Neji's neck. "Agggghhhhhmmmmmmm!" Naruto cried out as he poured out every bit of his self into Neji before both collapsed onto the bed in a sticky, sweaty, exhausted pile.
Neji attempted to catch his breath. "Tonight, everything was perfect." He said with shut eyes as he joined hands with the blonde. To him, the mission was a success.
Naruto blinked hard. He turned his head towards the door. Neji was right. Everything was perfect.
Monday morning
Naruto stared out the window not paying much attention to Neji who was behind the steering wheel.
Neji quietly looked over Naruto's features. He felt himself go stiff just thinking about their last romp. He wondered why the blonde was so solemn, he was also off the night before. Neji had a hunch but he wasn't sure. "If we don't go in soon we're going to be late." Neji spoke up.
"Yep…" Naruto exhaled heavily as he stared out at teens venturing into the large brown building, all ready to finish the remaining school year.
"You don't want to go?" Neji asked as if giving Naruto a choice.
Naruto raised an eyebrow. He didn't. "I guess it doesn't matter whether I'm ready or not." He said putting on a brave face.
Neji placed his hand on top of the blonde's. "You'll be fine once you're inside. I guarantee."
Naruto nodded. He didn't want Neji to know he was stressing over facing Sasuke. He wished he could delay the meeting but it was inevitable. What if he sits at the lunch table? What if he walks up to me during free period? Or study hall? Naruto bounced around 101 questions in his mind. He wasn't sure if he really possessed enough willpower to shut Sasuke down face to face, again. Thinking back to the dance, it had taken everything inside of him not to flee the scene with Uchiha in tow. Ughhh, how lame of me. "You're right." He agreed listlessly.
Neji squeezed his hand. "Hey, if something happens, just come get me." He recommend as if he were Naruto's savior.
"Sounds like a plan." He fabricated as they both stepped out the car. Neji would never forgive him if he admitted to having second thoughts about Sasuke. At this point, Naruto could barely forgive himself.
Stepping through the threshold of the school entrance, Naruto scratched his head as he had to prepare for the worst.
"So, fourth period, are you going to come see me upstairs?" Neji asked before seeing off the fox.
"Yea, I'll text you." Naruto agreed as he waved off the gentle eyed boy with his note book.
Neji nodded and took to the stairs while readjusted his self of course. Naruto was so sexy even when he wasn't trying to be. "Damn..." Neji cursed. He kept recalling the night before but he couldn't very well walk around poking out of his pants at school. Something had to give. He had to think about dead birds or ponies or something...anything to get his mind out the gutter.
"Oi, Neji." A female voice caused him to look back.
Yessss! He thanked the heavens. This random encounter was sure to be a turn off for him. "Ten-ten, how are you?" He asked which was very uncommon of him.
The young girl almost wheezed. "F-fine, how was your break?" She asked taking her cue for conversation.
"Good. And yours?" Neji inquired as he felt his nether regions go limp.
"Omg, it was sooo good, I-" she spoke recklessly.
"Oh, sorry Ten-ten, I have to get up stairs before first bell." He cut her off with a short statement.
"A-ah yes, we'll talk again later maybe?" She agreed and asked.
Neji didn't reply, he tipped his head to her and rushed up the steps.
"Eeeeiiiiii!" Ten-ten squealed once the dark haired teen was out of range. She whipped out her phone. "Ino? Where are you? I have good news!" She said exiting the stair well.
Homeroom
Rinnnngggggggggggg
"Good morning students of Konoha high! The entire faculty and staff is excited to be back to school. We are looking forward to the final semester and the completion of yet another great school year-"
Kiba yawned as Shizune spoke enthusiastically over the intercom while making the morning announcements.
"Kiba, pay attention." Iruka warned the tired looking boy as he pointed a finger toward the voice box.
Kiba bared his fangs.
Naruto smirked to himself thinking. Some things just don't change...
"I'll be right back." Iruka added as he slipped out the door.
Naruto sighed as he changed thought patterns. He could not spend the entire day harping over Sasuke. He thought about Neji for a second, how caring and understanding he was. They had a great night and a good morning together. Pretty soon Neji was going to be looking to him to make a decision again. Naruto knew what the next step in their relationship should be. The question was, did he have the balls to make it?
"OMG, this girl is driving me nuts man..." Kiba spoke up causing Naruto to break out of his own reflections. "If she texts me one more chain, I'm gonna snap." He grumbled shoving the phone back into his pocket.
"Before you wanted her to call now you don't?" Naruto was confused.
"Yo, she freakin had me on the phone till 3am like four nights in a row. I swear I don't know how she does it all the time but I'm so effing tired, I feel like my eyes are gonna roll out my head."
"Yeah, well did she mention anything about what I told you? Cause Sakura still hasn't called me back yet." Naruto inquired.
"Nope. I still don't see why you even told her. You know she can't hold water." Kiba said resting his head on his arms on top of the desk.
"I trust her. I mean, she hasn't given me a reason not to." Naruto said folding his arms behind his head. Maybe that wasn't the best idea…
"Right well, instead you should have started off with some small shit, like the combination to your locker. Normally she's the one I go to if I got a message I wanna pass to the whole damn school." Kiba offered.
Naruto frowned. He didn't really want to upset Sasuke but then again did Sasuke consider his feelings when he was out cheating? "I guess you're right-"
"You know I'm right." Kiba interrupted. "I just don't wanna see this thing blow up in your face is all." He stated knowing Sasuke would be pissed.
Naruto knew it must have been a lot for Sakura to understand but he had confidence in her. "I still wanna be friends with her."
"Yeah, I'm sure." Kiba said from his laid position.
"I should just talk to her today. What's the worst that could happen?" Naruto spoke out loud. "Hey, look who it is." He gestured towards the doorway.
Kiba looked up and rolled his eyes. "Yippie." He said unenthusiastically.
"Be nice." Naruto warned. "Gaara, what's up?"
The red head took his seat next to the blonde. He still wasn't used to speaking in front of anyone but Naruto so he kept quiet.
Naruto leaned over and stared into his face.
Gaara blushed.
Naruto laughed.
"This is gonna be a long MFing day." Kiba mumbled.
Later
"Kureni is gonna kill me dude." Kiba spoke as he thought about the makeup assignment she gave him over break. "I was totally supposed to hand that in today...shit I forgot." He cursed as he thought about having to take another semester of math tutoring.
"What the hell? How could you forget something like that?" Naruto inquired as they cruised the hall after history.
"Uhm, well first off, I was busy agonizing over the loss of a beautiful friendship..." Kiba spoke in a smart-aleck way. "Hey, wait, do you think she'll accept that as an excuse?"
"You're such a drama queen." Naruto commented.
"Arrggggggghhhh!" Kiba near howled. "I was helping Ino at her dad's freakin flower shop too. She's like the part time job I don't get paid from." Kiba said throwing his hands behind his head. "Or laid from..."
Naruto snickered.
"Speak of the damn devil!" Kiba said grabbing Naruto by the collar.
"What the-" the blonde started a protest.
"Shhhhh!" Kiba shushed him and pointed.
Naruto peeped around the corner.
"Do you wanna go to the nurse's office?" Ten-ten asked trying to pry Sakura's hands off her face.
The pink haired girl shook her head.
"Well at least tell us what's wrong then! How can we help you if we don't know what the problem is?" Barked Ino.
Kiba made a face at her bossiness.
"Let's go to the bathroom." Ten-ten suggested taking Sakura by the arm down the steps.
Naruto leaned against the wall.
"I know what you're thinking. This isn't your fault." Kiba spoke up before Naruto had a chance.
"How come it isn't? Maybe if I wouldn't have told her-"
"Your life would be even more complicated cause she'd be on all fours in your living room every day." Kiba decided. "Just leave her be, she'll get over it."
"I need to talk to her." Naruto stated firmly.
"Aye, give her some time...you do recall your last attempt talking to her right?" Kiba brought up the slap of death Sakura had gifted him with.
Naruto exhaled. "Ok, fine. I'm gonna go meet up with Neji."
Kiba sneered. "Great..." He hated the idea. Neji was such a prag. But at least Naruto was occupied.
"I'll catch you later." Naruto said heading up the stairwell to the third floor.
…
"Yeah, after school I'm stopping by Tsunade's office but after that I'm free." Naruto said to Neji as they talked about plans for the rest of the day.
"Ok, well I have tutoring today so I'm meeting with Kamoi at the public library. Maybe we can do something tonight?" Neji suggested.
Naruto gave a quick nod.
Even though he'd spent virtually every day of break with Naruto, Neji still wanted to spend much more time with him. "I think I'm going to switch Monday tutoring sessions with another day since it's your only day off during the week-"
"Neji, it's cool. Don't worry about me; I'll try not to be too disappointed." Naruto said tapping his good (really good) friend on the arm.
Neji gave a false smile. Naruto wasn't the one he was worried about... "You're right."
"Anyway," Naruto thought out loud. "I did tell Gaara we could walk home today." He proclaimed swinging his legs from the desk top on which he sat. "Maybe he can hang with me for a bit."
Neji shifted in his seat as he pretended not to hear that. "Tonight why don't we have dinner? Maybe Ichiraku's?" Neji inquired knowing that was Naruto's favorite.
Suddenly Naruto's mind drifted. He could hear Neji talking but the specific words weren't registering to him. There was someone else who came to mind just then. Someone dark. Someone cold. That was the one person Naruto wanted more than anything else in the world; he couldn't help it.
Neji stood. "Hello?" He questioned a second time putting his arms on either side of Naruto.
Naruto zoned back in. "Wait, what?"
"I asked if you wanted to go get dinner tonight. I also said a bunch of stuff after that." Neji recanted.
"Oh yea sure..." Naruto said sounding very unsure.
"Hey is everything ok?" Neji asked from his position between Naruto's legs.
No. Naruto thought. "Yea...I was just thinking about something crazy." Naruto said waving his hand.
"Oh, well I was thinking about something too." Neji revealed with a deviant grin.
"Nani?" Naruto asked simply.
Neji leaned forward and kissed him. He felt the twitch in his pants from that morning return. Tongues rolled as saliva mixed between the two. Neji pulled Naruto closer as he felt the desk slide back beneath them. This was exciting. This was new to him. He'd never done anything so mischievous in a classroom before but that was the Naruto effect. He became more and more aroused as they continued.
Naruto closed his eyes, as the body before his pressed down. This scene seemed vaguely familiar to him. He thought back to the countless times he'd spent with Sasuke in empty classrooms, stairwells and janitors closets around the school. What a naughty raven he was. Bastard! Naruto thought as he dropped his head breaking the kiss he shared with Hyuga.
Neji pulled back from Naruto giving him a distrustful look.
"Ahhh, we'd better go." Naruto hopped down from the desk wiping his bottom lip as he tried to clear his head. He looked at Neji briefly then moved his eyes.
"Right." Neji agreed slowly as he closed Anko's laptop. Neji couldn't help but feel there was a lot left to be desired between him and Naruto. Sure having this fling with him was amazing, but why not just commit then? Normally with sex came a relationship and that's what Neji was looking for. It was definitely time to have the talk again.
Across town
Sai looked down at his phone. He was on a Sasuke strike that was quickly unraveling. Who was he fooling? No matter how mad he got at the teen, he still wanted to be with him. He'd done nothing but think Sasuke, day in and day out, since their fight. Enough was enough. Sai got the point. Once again, Uchiha had won. That wasn't a surprise though. Sasuke always got his way. Now, the only thing left to do was get in contact with Sasuke while waving the white flag of surrender. As the phone began to ring in his ear, still the struggle waged on inside him. Good idea? Bad idea?
After school
Naruto sighed a heavy breath of relief as he left Tsunade's office. Kiba was right; the day had been a real bitch. Naruto thanked Kami it was over as he glanced at his watch and made his way down the hall. He was supposed to have met Gaara at his locker 20 minutes ago but that damn principal just kept drilling him for more info on the hermit pervert and his 'weekend of play'. Naruto shuttered just thinking about it.
"One down, 465 to go..." He joked to himself about the remaining days of school left in his junior year. The building was quiet. Most everyone had vacated the premises already giving the grounds a spooky feel. There were no club activities and anyone left behind was already sitting in detention; e.g. Kiba. Before Naruto got to the middle of the hall, a 2nd person rounded the corner. Naruto routinely looked up causing a chain of events to occur.
Immediately he averted his gaze from the other boy's face to his shoes as they approached each other in the corridor. All air left the blonde's chest as he passed Sasuke shoulder to shoulder. Both remained silent. Sasuke stared straight ahead not sparing so much as a glance Naruto's way. Naruto's breath only returned as he reached the corner, he felt compelled to turn around and say something...anything. He opened his mouth to go back, instead he hit the bathroom. Hard.
"ERGGGGGHHHHHHHH!" Naruto gripped his stomach as he expelled the remnants of lunch into the toilet. "MMMEEEEHHHHHHHH!" He purged a 3rd time before flushing. "Uhhhhggg," he moaned as he exited the stall wiping his forehead.
Naruto rinsed his mouth out. What the hell? He thought cynically. After going two weeks sans the raven, his sudden appearance caused Naruto to stick his face into a toilet bowl, that wasn't supposed to happen. "FML..." He uttered as he stood in front of the mirror washing his hands. He caught a glimpse of a night that seemed so long ago.
"Don't be stupid, dobe. I miss you every time we're apart." Sasuke retorted to Naruto's silly question before kissing him on the forehead and leaving out the basement door.
Naruto lowered his eyes. "Yea right..." He commented as he splashed cool water onto his face. He shook his head as he exited the bathroom thinking sarcastically that he couldn't wait to see what the rest of the school year held.
...
"Gaara, sorry I was late again. Tsunade held me up." Naruto said apologizing for the second time as he and the red head proceeded to his house.
"It's fine." Gaara said causing Naruto to look at him suspiciously.
It was still a shocker to Naruto whenever Gaara spoke. He was quiet all day then when they were alone, words magically manifested. "Do you want something to drink? Eat?" Naruto asked shutting the door behind him.
"No," Gaara said watching Naruto's mannerisms as they seemed stressed.
Naruto dropped his books next to the bed and walked to the couch. Gaara was still standing in the middle of the floor.
"Make yourself comfortable Gaara. You're not a stranger anymore," he said giving off a warm yet halfhearted smile as he removed his shirt.
Gaara walked over and joined him on the couch. He skimmed his eyes over Naruto, who donned a simple A-shirt, then looked away quickly. He gripped his knee as he opened his mouth to speak. "Is something bothering you?" Gaara asked in a sullen voice.
Naruto had tried to snap out of it. "That obvious huh?" He let out a strained chuckle. "I'll be fine, just got some stuff on my mind."
The grip on his knee got tighter. "Did you want to talk?" Gaara asked slowly.
"Uh, sure I guess we can...I mean I don't know if you wanna hear my problems, cause woooo, there's so many." Naruto said scratching his head.
"It's ok." Gaara said using all the power in his soul to get this conversation going.
"Well, let's start with this girl, she's mad at me." Naruto begin leaving out names.
Gaara looked over at him. He swallowed hard.
"I kinda fudged the truth and she slapped me...I guess I deserved it though-"
"She hit you?" Gaara was still stuck on that part.
"Yea...she's like beyond pissed right now...you must know the feeling living with a sister right?"
Gaara didn't speak, he just digested information.
"Anyway, I hate when people are mad with me..." He continued with Sasuke in mind. He had a thousand questions he wanted answered right now. Why wouldn't Sasuke speak to him? Not even one word, not even one look? Was it because of Neji? Did he know about them?
The red head examined the blonde. "What are you thinking?"
Naruto's bright blues traveled up the length of the body near his. He stopped at Gaara's very visible, very intriguing tattoo. "I'm thinking, I want to know more about you." He said changing the subject. "Love?" Naruto recited.
Gaara's face got hot as he fought back a blush. "The tattoo was a gift from my mother."
Naruto smiled on the inside. "Oh that's dope, she sounds rad." He said referring to the odd gift. "I only met your dad the time I dropped off the bag of goodies to your house."
Gaara looked at him strangely for a moment. "Baki," he said before explaining properly.
"Oh, that's his name?" Naruto asked remembering the guy wasn't too chatty.
"He is only a legal guardian for myself and my siblings." Gaara responded. "Our father is dead. And so is our mother."
Naruto's jaw almost touched the floor. "O, Gaara, I had no clue...I'm really sorry to hear that." Naruto said as his invisible fox ears wilted with sadness.
"To hear what?" Asked the light eyed boy without a hint of disdain.
Naruto was puzzled. Why was he acting like he hadn't just been there for the conversation? "Uhm, sorry to hear you lost your parents..." Naruto stated but it kinda sounded more like a question as he too wasn't sure what was going on at this point.
Gaara looked at his hand on his leg. "Why?" He inquired further. He didn't want Naruto to find out he was pretty much emotion void but he did want to know more.
Naruto wasn't sure if he was messing with him or being serious. "You know, I'm sorry I brought it up, uh, we can talk about something else...I didn't know really, my bad."
Gaara became flustered. "NO, it's ok. I-I just don't understand."
Naruto noticed how tense Gaara looked now. He didn't really get it but he would try. "When someone tells you something like that, like a family member or close friend passes, you're supposed to say 'Sorry for your loss'." Naruto had never had to explain death etiquette before. This was new. "If it's any consolation, I know how it feels too. I lost my parents. They both died when I was a baby."
Gaara focused on his hand again. "I am sorry for your loss." He said to Naruto.
"Thanks." The blonde acknowledged.
"My mother died a long time ago. We moved here after my father died." Gaara continued.
"That's tough." Naruto started to feel like he was at a funeral. "You guys were close?"
Gaara looked at him oddly. "He tried to have me killed."
Nani? Naruto thought as his spirit tried to jump out of his body. He's kidding right? He asked his self.
"Naruto," Gaara called out to the now pale teenager.
"Y-yes, Gaara?" Naruto questioned fearing something else gloomy would follow.
"I don't want people to fear me…that is not my intention."
Naruto's eyes went from swirls to regular. He thought about the feeling behind those words. "People are only scared when they don't know."
"But what if they are right? What if they can see that I'm not a decent human being?"
"No way, that's not true. I could tell right away you weren't like that. In my hometown, people hated me because they didn't understand me and I made no effort to help them either. Until I came here, to Konoha, I had no friends and no one had my back…I guess maybe that's why I was drawn to you. Cause I could feel you were so much like me."
Gaara looked into Naruto's eyes. He was sure about what he was feeling.
"I'm your friend. Together we'll make more friends. Deal?" Naruto said extending his right hand.
Gaara joined fists with him.
Grrrrrrrggghhhhhhh...
Naruto's stomach let out a very audible growl. "Ha ha, sorry to ruin the moment but I guess I'm hungry."
Gaara nodded as he followed Naruto to the kitchen.
Tueday afternoon
"Guess who?" Asked a playful voice as hands were delicately placed over Shikamaru's eyes.
He shrugged his shoulders. "Mom?" He suggested.
"Really?" Temari questioned releasing her grip.
Naruto chuckled.
"Not funny." She warned. "Hey, you having company after school today or what?" Temari asked stepping in front of her boyfriend.
"Well I have to work out my tutoring schedule for the remaining semester so I don't think so. Shizune can be pretty long winded sometimes-"
"Oh, Shikamaru...you suck." She said crossing her arms. "Call me tonight?"
"Yeah sure." The ingenious teen agreed.
"K bye." Temari said kissing his cheek. "See ya, Naruto."
Naruto waved as the two boys were joined by Choji at the end of the hall.
"Jeez..." the dark haired teen let out.
"Way to go Shikamaru." Choji smirked as he caught the tail end of things.
"Yeah, nice hall action." Naruto chimed.
"Whatever, if you wouldn't have had to pee right then I could have avoided that." Grumpy McGrump complained.
"Whoa you're tired of your girlfriend already Shikamaru?" Choji asked as he resumed eating.
"Nahhh, it's nothing like that. It's just that every time she sees me in the hall she wants to kiss or hold hands or hug or do something else that is absolutely embarrassing." Shikarmaru explained. "I don't mind doing those things when we're alone but what if Kiba was around just now?"
"Kiba was around just now for what?" Snarled the canine enthusiast as he met up with his crew.
"Ahhh, nothing." Shikamaru shook his head.
"Lousy brain." He shot back at the teen. "Anyways, freakin Tsunade just reamed me out. Talkin' about she's gonna open up Saturday detentions just for me cause I owe her so many hours. What a hag..." Kiba sulked.
"Well it's not really granny's fault. She's not the one burning school books, or pantsing freshman, or sleeping in class..." Naruto named some of the many offenses that were surely listed on Kiba's permanent record.
"Wha? All of which were activities you were around for!" Kiba tried to share the blame.
"Don't include me in that." Naruto disagreed.
"Whatever, I'm over it. What's the damage for this weekend? I'm trying to get wrecked." Kiba says as the crew makes their way down the hall.
"Yes. Let's do something this weekend." Shino adds causing Kiba to look at him strangely.
"Yeah sure, you guys decide. I'm going." Naruto said saluting his boys before taking off in the opposite side direction.
"Aye? Where you goin' jerk?" Kiba called behind fleeting blonde hair.
"To see Iruka real quick!" Naruto said as he pushed open the door for the stairwell.
Knock knock knock
Iruka looked up. "Naruto, come on in." He says with a warm expression.
"Sensei, thanks for letting me swing by."
"It's no problem at all; you know you're always welcome. In fact I'm anxious to hear how your vacation went." Iruka said shutting the book that was open before him.
"Hahaha, about that," Naruto gave a simple laugh. "It was really good actually. It started off pretty shaky though."
"Hhm, could that be due to a certain incident which took place at the dance?" Iruka asked curiously.
"Maybe, kinda...you saw?" Naruto inquired.
"Not quite, but I heard all about it. How's Sasuke?"
"Well you see, that's the thing. We aren't speaking." Naruto said with a shrug. He wasn't joking either; they literally weren't speaking.
"Oh, I thought you two were-" The teacher hinted.
"Right. We broke up." Naruto admitted out loud for the very first time since it happened.
"Ah, I see." Iruka said with raised eye brows. "How have you been taking it?"
Naruto gave a half grin. "I think ok. I've been pretty busy..." He thanked Kami for Neji, if it hadn't been for him, he probably would have spent the whole damn two weeks in bed.
Iruka could see it all over his face. "It's ok to miss him you know."
"But then Neji-" Naruto stopped to regroup his words. "Neji is really good to me..."
"But?" Iruka finished his sentence.
"...but he's no Sasuke." Naruto came to the realization.
"No one will ever compare to your first love."
"My brain is screaming 'no' to me every time I think about him." Naruto confessed.
"So now that we know what Naruto's brain is saying...what does Naruto's heart have to say?" Iruka posed a great question.
Naruto looked off to the side as he tried to figure it out. He was obviously due for a lot of thinking in order to find the answer.
Later at Two G's
The school day had played out like any other. It ended up being way better than Monday. Naruto wiped his forehead free of perspiration as he entered the small café downtown Konoha. After greeting Sai and tying on his apron Naruto jumped right into work. Customers came in and out of the shop buying snacks and sometimes sitting to chat with friends. Naruto kept his mind clear as he focused on making all sorts of lattes, frappes, coffees, and treats.
Sai pranced around the shop pushing a broom back and forth absentmindedly. He pretended to sweep while he daydreamed about Sasuke. Though he caved in and gave the dark teen a call, he hadn't received a call back yet and he worried something had happened at school. Something like... "Naruto," Sai said out loud when he only meant to think it.
"Yeah?" Asked the blonde rather cheerily.
Sai's brain kicked into over drive. He was this close to asking him but that would kill his cover. "Uhm, how was your first day back to school?" He asked chickening out big time. If Naruto got involved with the raven again, he was sure to be shoved out of the picture once more. He had to know.
"Eh? Good…I mean as good as high school gets anyway. Right now I'm going crazy filling out all these damn apps for university."
"Oh, that's right. You definitely don't want to wait till the last minute."
"True. I have lots of help from Neji though. He's pretty much done with his but he still helps me tons with mine." Naruto smiled at the thought.
"Right, Neji Hyuga. Have you decided what school you would prefer?"
Naruto thought for a second. "Well, honestly, I always wanted to go far but I don't know anymore. KU is right here, I mean I just now got to Konoha so I wanna stick around you know?"
Sai nodded. "What about all your friends?" He probed.
"Well Shikamaru has some offers already but hasn't made up his mind and Kiba is nowhere near complete so idk. Neji is really psyched about Kumogakure," Naruto thought about him leaving. "But he hasn't decided yet."
Sai watched quietly as Naruto capped a coffee for a customer. "What about Sasuke?" He questioned for the sole purpose of checking the blonde's reaction.
Naruto gave a slight grin. "Beats me, I was bugging him to do some apps with me but we never got around to it so…"
Sai too gave a lax smile. "Well, you guys still have some time left." He said gripping the broom handle tightly.
Naruto cursed on the inside. Why the hell did Sai have to go and bring him up? "I want this year to end already. I can't wait to be a senior."
Sai sat down at the end of the counter. "Trust me, once you get there, it isn't all it's cracked up to be. I've wished I could go back to my senior year plenty of times." Sai said looking down at his art book. He thought about his reason for going back in time. It was always the same. It was always Sasuke. Whatever he did wrong back then, he wished he could right it. This way, he would have never split from Uchiha.
"I guess you're right. I never enjoyed school till I got here so I should be thankful. Before, I flat out hated it." Naruto spoke as he recalled his first day in town and how he loathed the start of a new school.
Sai stared at Naruto with a straight face. He wondered what Naruto was thinking. "You youngsters, so naïve." Sai said switching to his 'happy' face.
Beep beep beep...
Sai touched his pocket. It wasn't him.
Naruto, sorry about tonight but I have some business to handle with my uncle this evening. I will call you later. -Neji
Naruto sent a reply then opened a new message and searched for Kiba's name.
After work
"Hey dork." Kiba said as Naruto tossed his apron and bag in the back and took a seat in the front.
"You're so lame, what's up." He said rustling a hand through Kiba's hair.
Kiba swatted at him. "Nada…" he rolled his eyes as he saw Sai exit the shop. He pulled off quickly.
"Did you clear this with Hana?" Naruto asked as they hit a corner roughly.
"Do you not know who runs my house?" Kiba protested with his chest puffed out.
"Uhm, yeah your mom, then Hana…then Akamaru." Naruto listed as he looked out the window.
Kiba grimaced. "Don't rain on my parade."
"HA! Well anyhow, thanks for picking me up. I just thought we could order in at the house, I didn't know a chauffeur would be included." Naruto said as Kiba pulled up to a brightly lit building and parked.
"Anything for you babe." Kiba said batting his eyes.
"Eww, that was creepy." Naruto shook his head.
"Whatever," Kiba laughed as they stepped inside of the restaurant. "I was suffocating at home, my mom's being such a turd."
"Hey I called in an order under Uzumaki." Naruto spoke to the hostess behind the counter.
"Ok one second please…" The girl said stepping away.
"What's with this thing tied around your head?" Kiba asked snapping the side of Naruto's head wear.
"Get outta here." Naruto said fanning his hand back. "What's with your stupid tattoos?"
"Ah, you know it's a family thing dork." Kiba said pulling a cigarette out his pocket.
"Well it really fits you Ki-chan." Naruto said pinching the brunettes cheek.
"Dude, I hate you." Kiba responded as he made a sour face.
Beep beep beep
"Neji," Naruto said easily as he read the text message to himself.
Kiba poked out his bottom lip. "I guess you and eye balls got pretty busy over break huh?"
Naruto hit send. "I guess."
"Dude sick….you're doin the nasty with him?" Kiba did a gag gesture.
"What the hell Kiba?" Naruto asked as he reddened.
"So, I bet he's finally happy to sink his hooks into you huh?" Kiba thought aloud.
"I'm not even gonna try to understand you anymore."
"Are you guys like what? Like a couple?" Kiba dug further. He'd missed quite a bit and now he needed details.
"Not really. We're kinda just seeing each other. He wants to make things official but idk..." Naruto said shaking his head as he tried to think of a good enough reason not to commit. The old Sasuke excuse just wouldn't cut it.
"You still thinkin about Sasuke?" Kiba asked causing the blonde to look up from his mental debate.
"$24.95 please." Said the young lady as she approached placing bags on the counter.
"Keep the change." Naruto said with a wave.
"Arigato, come again!" She sang as the two boys exited.
Kiba struck up as soon as they got outside. "I seen em today. That's the only reason I asked." He picked up the conversation right where it left off.
"I can't help but think of him. Like every freakin minute of the day." Naruto complained as he placed food in the back seat.
Kiba started up the car.
Naruto relived his bathroom scene from Monday in his head. "Did he say anything?"
"Nope, nothing much. We smoked a blunt in the back of the school." Kiba said looking over at Naruto who seemed to get drabber by the second. "But we are not cool right now by any means." He cleared up while pulling in smoke.
Naruto realized his face was telling on him again. He smiled. "It's ok Ki-chan, you can be friends with whoever you want!"
Kiba gave him a suspect stare. "Well look, about Neji, it's whatever if you really start going out. If he's nice to you, I figure that's all that matters." It killed Kiba to admit that but Naruto was more important to him than his stupid beef with Neji. Besides Sasuke was too dumb to do the right thing so it served him right to lose out.
Naruto fake chuckled. "Thanks. Speaking of going out, did you ask Ino yet?" Naruto changed the topic abruptly. The last thing he wanted to do was dwell on his issues right now.
"No, I ain't ask her nothing yet." Kiba pouted through a puff of smoke.
"What are you waiting for?"
"Man, idk…she wouldn't even lemme get past 2nd base wit out being legit."
Naruto made a face. "So, you should ask her already."
"It's not that simple." Kiba announced.
"I doubt if she'd say no." Naruto added.
"Pressure man…pressure."
"I get it. You're just nervous." Naruto thought about Sasuke, again. "You just have to assume it." He coaxed his friend remembering how Sasuke had 'claimed' him once upon a time.
"Right, I totally flop every time I even think of asking her though." Kiba pulled into the drive way.
"Look don't make it so formal. You're not asking to get married. Just be spontaneous." Naruto said climbing out the car as the front door swung open revealing white hair.
"Ah, ha!" Jiraiya said pointing. "Italian!"
"Yeah I was gonna suggest asking him, but never mind." Naruto said shutting the door.
Wednesday
Naruto closed is locker harder than desired. It was back. This feeling of emptiness. He thought since he was allowing himself to bond with Neji things would just naturally fall into place. Emotions, however, were extremely difficult to master. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he headed down the hall. He was sure things would only get worst before better. Iruka's words passed along in his mind for the one hundred and fifty seventh time since their talk. '...what does Naruto's heart have to say?'
He was afraid of the answer.
In Tsunade's office
"Superintendent Danzo, welcome." Shizune said with a bow and a straight face. This guy was trouble. Every time he came around he was busting Tsunade's chops. Some people sure were stubborn.
The older gentleman tilted his head at the dark haired dark eyed girl.
"Please come in. Lady Tsunade is waiting for you." She said showing him to the door behind her.
Danzo entered the room with silence prompting Tsunade to stand.
"I assume you have the records fully prepared." He spoke for the first time since entering the school building.
Tsunade cut her eyes at him. "So the first thing out your mouth is business as usual?" She replies taking her seat again.
Shizune made a face.
"I came for one reason only; not a social call."
"Understood." Tsunade agreed pushing a manila envelope across her desk top. There was no use.
Danzo picked up the file and proceeded to peek into the opening. "This seems awfully thin for a delinquent of Sasuke Uchiha's magnitude." He commented.
Tsunade glanced up at Shizune. "I assure you, everything Sasuke has ever done since grade 9 is in there."
Danzo found that hard to believe.
"Your fascination with him is peculiar." Tsunade spoke up. This wasn't the first time the elder was calling a board meeting specifically in regards to Sasuke and his habits.
"His ability to get over on the world is what's odd. I am just a custodian of the city who is trying to do my civil duty to protect the future." The stern figure said as he gripped the pages in hand.
Tsunade's interlocked hands got tighter. "By targeting its youth?"
"Sasuke Uchiha is hardly innocent. And from the looks of things, a bias principle is only assisting in the problem."
"Since when is being late to school a crime?" Tsunade got louder.
"T-Tsunade-hime..." Shizune cautioned.
"The crime is that he stands to inherit 75% of the countries trade, stock and business portfolios. His threat to Konoha is as big as his father's was..." Danzo assessed before standing. "Now, if you will excuse me. I have a meeting to prepare for."
Tsunade watched as the man exited her office. She thought about her predecessor, Hiruzen Sarutobi and the promise she made to him. He had willed the next generation to her and she did not want to disappoint. Yes, Sasuke was a handful but no, she was not ready to turn her back on him and ruin his future as his past had been.
"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune called while awaiting instructions.
Tsunade was decided. "Shizune, prepare some notes. I have to get ready for this board meeting."
After lunch
"Yo, Kakashi is gonna totally run off and marry Iruka. Did you see his face when Iruka walked into the class today?" Kiba asked Naruto who wasn't paying one lick of attention. Kiba followed Naruto's line of vision."OMG, don't do it man." Kiba warned as he watched Naruto stalk Sakura from across the room.
Naruto didn't speak.
"Just drink your milk and stop looking." Kiba commanded.
"I gotta try..." Naruto stated. This was the other issue that was causing his life grief. If he could fix this, he could do anything.
Ringgggggggggggg
Kiba watched closely as Naruto dipped through a herd of kids trying to get back to class after the bell.
"Sakura!" Naruto called out.
She keeps moving forward.
"Sakura?" He says a bit closer.
She hears him but doesn't bother to look.
"Hey," he says taking her arm in his hand. "Sakura-chan."
Sakura turns around and looks at his hand gripping her extremity.
"Ahh, I'm sorry. I wanted to catch you really quick before heading back up." Naruto says touching his head.
She doesn't speak.
Kiba is among the last of the kids in the hall. He walks past slowly while watching out the corner of his eye, all the while giving Sakura a dirty look. Finally he takes flight up the stairs leaving just the two alone.
"About what happened Friday..." Naruto said rubbing his arm. "I'm really sorry that I didn't tell you sooner. I didn't really know how but I do want to apologize to you."
Sakura bit her bottom lip. All the hurt built up inside of her...
POOOOWWWWWWWW!
Her hand ached in response to her action. Tears gushed from her eyes now causing her breathing to become strained. Yet again, she's reminded of her broken heart.
Naruto watched as she walked away quickly. He doesn't attempt to stop her this time. She has to make up her own mind about this. "Dammit..." He seethed holding his face. He too is upset, not over the slap but over the deceit. He'd also felt the same way not to long ago, it wasn't a good feeling at all. He was angry with himself for not telling her sooner. She didn't deserve to be lied to; no one did. At that moment he makes a decision to go find Neji.
…
Sakura wipes her face as she lands on the first floor. She goes into the last stall in the bathroom and leans against the wall. Torn. She wanted to cause him pain but at the same time she really was in love with him. Uncertainty. Sakura thinks back to every part of that conversation, to the promise she made to him. Revenge. Could she really do that to him? She questioned herself as yet another tear rolled down her cheek.
Nothing was worst than a woman scorned.
That night
"Aahhh, Karin what color is your hair this week?" Suigetsu asked trying his best hand at being polite. "Barf orange?" Or maybe not.
Karin shifted her glasses on her nose. "Can we focus? Either that or leave the adults to do their work please."
"Ouch," he responded while running cords across the floor of the suite.
Jugo sighed. He wasn't sure what he was doing there. He didn't like this idea very much to begin with so how the hell did he get pulled into this mess. "Guys, let's hurry and get this over with."
Suigetsu walked over to the door. "Whatever, don't act like you got more important things to do..." he said opening the door and waving in the first audition.
"Ohayo, I'm Shinjo..." Said a male walking in with what appeared to be a resume.
"Well thanks...I think." Suigetsu said taking the sheet not fully sure what to do with it. He hadn't really planned this far ahead but a paper trail was always nice.
"So we're gonna just play it by ear real quick. Here is the music. Try your best to keep up." Jugo said taking a seat behind his set.
The dark haired teen Shinjo, who also happened to have pale white skin, plugged in his guitar. He plucked a few chords to check out his sound.
Suigetsu looked him up and down. He reminded him of the raven.
"Ready?" Asked Karin examining the boy's looks too.
Shinjo nodded.
Jugo did a count. "One, two-"
They started to play.
Karin looks on from her seated position. She tapped her foot at the melody. This kid was good. But not Sasuke good.
"Chord A, G...that was a G chord." Suigetsu shouted out missed lines over the music.
Karin nodded her head. "I'll never be good enough...you make me want to fadedddd awayyyy awayyyyy..." She mumbled some lyrics to herself.
"Ok, ok...that was good. Uhm, flip the page it's another song." Suigetsu said stopping his base causing the others to do the same.
"Ready to go again?" Jugo asked tapping his sticks.
Shinjo gave the thumbs up.
After another song and a bit of Shinjo doing a solo, the crew was ready to move on to the next guest.
"Thanks for coming by. We'll be in touch." Suigetsu said waving at the guitar player.
"Uhm, ok. Bye." The male said unplugging his instrument and taking a leave.
The door shut tightly.
"That guy was ok." Karin stated as she watched Suigetsu cross the floor to the door.
"Yeah, he did really well for reading impromptu music." Jugo agreed.
"He looked like Sasuke…" Suigetsu said grudgingly.
"Is that all your basing your decision on?" Karin asked feeling a rage coming on.
"Sure, why not..." Suigetsu winked at her. "We need someone….not like Sasuke." He spoke as he ushered in the next person handing them a sheet of music.
Karin shook her head. This was going to be one long night.
"OK, from the top." Jugo said counting off.
Karin began to hum lyrics again. "Writings on the wall, movement in my soul, fire brings them out, a city of shadows all filled with doubt..."
Later at Yokatta restaurant
"How is your yakiniku?" Neji inquired.
Naruto picked at his supper while it sizzled on the grill before him.
"Earth to Naruto."
"Huh? Oh, sorry what was that?" The blonde asked looking up.
Neji drew his brow. "You've been drifting off a lot lately...is something going on?"
Naruto shook his head.
"Sorry about earlier when you came to see me. I really did want to talk to you, but I had to get to chemistry, I was running late from a committee meeting."
Naruto smiled. "It's cool."
"What was it that you wanted to discuss?" Neji asked.
After thinking about what he did to Sakura, Naruto had made a split second decision to find Neji and tell him everything that was going on in his head. Every doubt, every wish, every detailed feeling he was having regarding Sasuke. As the day went on he'd changed his mind, yet again. "Oh, nothing important." Naruto shrugged it off wondering about his honesty.
Neji knew that look. Neji had already felt the difference in Naruto. There was no denying it. It could only mean one thing. "Have you talked Sasuke?"
Naruto almost broke his chopsticks in half. "No..." he said which was technically the truth.
"Surely you've at least seen him." Neji probed as he plucked some pieces of asparagus from the grill top.
Naruto wasn't sure what he was walking into. "Yeah, for like 2 seconds."
"And you two didn't speak at all?" Neji asked in a 'hard to believe' tone. Unfortunately, once back in school, Neji realized he couldn't keep eyes on Naruto 24 hours a day. He hoped that he could talk to Naruto and have him be straightforward about what was going on but sometimes he got the impression that wasn't happening.
"No, we didn't. It, it doesn't have to do with Sasuke. Honest..." Naruto said realizing he was turning lying into a full fledged hobby now.
"O, ok." Neji agreed to show Naruto there were no hard feelings, although… "Well, how was Jiraiya's weekend retreat?" Neji questioned shifting the conversation. If he talked about Sasuke any longer, he was sure to lose his appetite.
Thank Kami. Naruto sighed before answering. "Oh, I think he had tons of fun. Tsunade on the other hand..." he began the story with a laugh.
Thursday
"Choji! I swear on everything dude! I will leave your chunky ass back here!" Kiba shouted as the locker room cleared out.
"No!" Choji protested as he clutched the radiator on the wall.
"Uhm should I get, Shikamaru?" Naruto asked.
"Just leave his ass. I'm not trying to get no more detentions cause he didn't wanna come to gym." Kiba shrugged.
"Choji, Gai is gonna come get you if you don't come on..." Naruto tried to reason with him again.
"I-I can't Naruto! I'm too scared." Choji forewarned.
"Hey! What's the hold up? We're wasting our youth out here waiting around for you guys!" Gai shouted from the doorway.
"OK, suit yourself-" Naruto said jogging away.
Out on the floor he stood near Kiba and watched the locker room door closely.
"NEVERRRRR!" Choji yelled loud enough to wake the dead.
"How embarrassing..." Kiba issued as he face palmed.
"Ahem! Hello everyone, my name is Rock Lee. While we are waiting for Gai-sensi to return, I will go ahead and introduce myself to the class!" Spoke a lean green clad guy who had a bowl cut that was strikingly similar to Gai's.
"Dammit, I shoulda stayed with Choji." Kiba crossed his arms.
"What's with his eyebrows?" Naruto asked with a hint of fascination to his voice.
"I am Gai-sensei's apprentice and I will be co-coach gym, track and wresting along with Gai-sensei going forward. I am very passionate about teaching all of you the will of fire just as Gai-sensei has taught me!" Rock Lee stated as if running lines for an infomercial.
Kiba growled.
"You there, the blonde haired boy. Would you please come up and demonstrate a few good workout routines with me?"
Naruto looked around. Of course he was the only blonde. "Dammit..." he scoffed as Kiba giggled. Naruto shot him the evil eye as he walked up next to Lee.
Kiba was going to have a field day with this one.
Across town
"Rise and shine," Kabuto says as he draws the blinds causing Orochimaru to pull the blanket over his head. "I'm not leaving until you come out." He inserts.
Orochimaru didn't respond.
"You must know already, the early bird catches the worm." Kabuto said tugging at the covers.
Grey toned skin finally revealed itself as Orochimaru emerged. "Kabuto, it's nearly 2 o'clock in the afternoon." He rumbled.
"Ah, yes all the more reason for you to be awake." Kabuto said placing a tray across his bosses lap. "Breakfast."
"Toast and an ensure?" Orochimaru raised a brow.
"Well, that's all you had in the kitchen. Make a list, I'll go grocery shopping."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes. "The way you're acting is about to give me diabetes. Besidesss, I'm doleful not decrepit."
Kabuto adjusts his frames. "Honestly, things are more relaxed around here without Sasuke milling about; I rather prefer it."
"Kabuto you're not helping." Orochimaru warned as he threw the covers off and sat on the side of the bed.
"What would you like me to do?" Kabuto braced himself for orders.
Orochimaru thought about it for a moment. Though Itachi had cautioned him clear of the raven, Orochimaru decided he was never one to take orders. "I want Sasuke...now."
Kabuto rolled his eyes. Why did he even bother to wake this guy up?
Back at school
Naruto skimmed through his language book in preps for a test that afternoon. He was sure to get at least a C but he was aiming a bit higher. After all, if he was going to submit college apps he could at least give the admissions department something to look at.
Neji quietly watched Naruto who seemed hard at work. "Hey, sorry about last night. I didn't mean to seem so mistrustful." He said in reference to his Sasuke questionnaire form.
"It's fine. Besides, we had a really good night." Naruto confirmed.
"True." Neji smiled.
Naruto looked around Neji then quickly back down at his book.
Neji noticed the motion and turned his head.
"Omg, Sakura you really ought to give it up already..." Ino spoke as the two passed by without another word.
Neji faced forward again. He was bemused. "So, you two aren't speaking I take it?"
Naruto knew exactly what he was talking. "Wha?" He asked pretending to be inapt.
"Last I checked you and Sakura were the best of friends." Neji reminded while waiting for an answer.
"Yeah," Naruto didn't even know where to start with this one. "She isn't speaking to me right now."
"Oh? Why not?" Neji pushed further wondering what could have caused the rift.
Naruto rubbed his eye as he thought up a fabrication. "It's no biggie. I just didn't call her back like normal is all."
Neji tucked his lips and nodded.
Naruto felt bad for twisting the truth again but how could he tell Neji what she was really pissed about? He'd have to explain the whole thing; the confession, the kissing, the promise. It was just awful and he much preferred to pretend it didn't happen at all.
"She'll eventually get over it." Neji assured him. He really didn't care either way, she was annoying.
Naruto picked a new subject. "So Saturday we're all going to the opening of the new batting cage downtown, wanna come?"
Neji raised an eye brow. "WE'RE?" He reiterated.
"Me, Kiba, Shikamar-"
"Oh, I get it." Neji said cutting Naruto short. "No thanks."
"Awww, why not?" Naruto solicited innocently enough.
Neji fought back a look of disgust. "I have a family meeting to attend. But have fun."
Naruto unknowingly accepted the erroneous words.
Downtown at Sui's fans
"One, two, three and go! One, two, three and turn! One, two, three and dip!" The amber haired conductor, Sui, yelled at the top of her lungs over a radio that was blaring gypsy music.
Shikamaru watched closely as several young ladies, including Temari, pranced up and down the studio floor which was marked with different colored arrows and x's. How predictable... Shikamaru thought as he watched their movements. He'd memorized the full routine in 60 minutes though it'd taken the girl's weeks of hard work to get as far as they did.
"Good job ladies! See you all again next week. Don't forget to practice, practice, PRACTICE!" Sui shouted excitedly as she signaled to everyone class was over.
Temari skipped to the back to grab her bag.
Shikamaru stood outside the small shop and waited.
"See ya!" Temari called behind her as she came out the door. "Hey!" She grinned from ear to ear as she threw her arms around her boyfriend's neck.
"Ahhh, you aren't tired yet?" He asked realizing that Temari was always on.
"Don't be such a party pooper! How did you like my fanning?" She said snapping open the apparatus in hand and covered half her face.
"Nice." The quieter more reserved teen said. "So, are we still going to my place?" He asked trying to sound indifferent.
Temari closed her fan and smiled. "Yes, Shikamaru..."
"Well don't make me sound like such a drag." He poked out his lip at her reply.
"You're not a drag," she said tenderly as she gripped his arm and leaned into his body. She thought about going to his house knowing his parents weren't in town. Temari blushed at the thought but she knew Shikamaru was too reserved to make a move. But still…she anticipated.
...
Shikamaru waited in the living room while Temari finished up in the shower. The plan was for her to change and then they were going out for the night. At least, that was the plan.
"Shikamaru!" She yelled his name from the floor above.
"Yeah?" He asked.
"Where are the extra towels?"
Shikamaru looked towards the steps. "In the linen closet." He replied simply.
A few moments went by. "Where is that?" She screamed again.
Shikamaru sighed as he stood from the sofa. No use in yelling like a mad person...well a 2nd mad person. "Here-" He said pushing open his room door noticing she was sitting on his bed with a towel already wrapped around her moist body.
She smiled devilishly at him.
"Sorry," he said turning his head.
Temari got up and grabbed him by the hand then pulled him over to the bed. If he was too shy to do something, she would. "Thank you." She said removing the towel from his hand.
"You're welcome." Shikamaru spoke still looking the other way as a visible tint grew on his cheeks.
Temari patted the bed next to her.
Shikamaru sat in silence.
She put the 2nd towel on her hair and tussled it lightly before scooting closer to him. She waited for something to happen. She tossed the towel behind her after freeing her hair of excess water.
Shikamaru still was looking the other way.
"Shikamaru, you can look." She informed him.
Slowly he faced her. He wasn't the only embarrassed one. He noted how rosy her face was. Temari didn't usually blush, it was always him. She was pretty hot when she did though.
"You can…touch." She added.
He turned his body to hers, steadily moving his hands up her thigh to her chest then face. He kissed her lips causing her to kiss back. They had made out plenty of times. Shikamaru was pretty confident he knew his way around her mouth, it was the rest of her body that he was shaky about.
"Nnnhhhhh," she moaned as his hand slipped under her towel and landed on her inner thigh. She leaned back allowing him to cover more of her body with his own. "Uhhnnnnn…" she cooed pulling him in closer.
Shikamaru moved to her breast causing her to stir below him.
"NHHHHHHHN," she got a bit louder.
He pulled back and examined her heaving body. The towel was open now exposing every inch of her skin. He'd never seen her nude form before.
She looked to the side when she realized how he was staring at her.
"You look beautiful…" He spoke in a serious tone.
Suddenly his tongue landed on her left breast then right. Temari held her breath as she was greeted by the moon and stars. Moisture circled her areolas followed by Shikamaru's teeth gently tugging on her stiffened nipples. "Huuuuhuuuuaaaaah!"
He stopped. His eyes met hers. He figured that was enough before things went any farther. Sooner or later they would end up at the point of no return.
She was already there. "Keep going," she panted beneath him.
Shikamaru paused. "But-"
"I want you…" she reassured him.
He waited as he examined her face.
"Shikamaru, I love you." She said reaching up pulling his lips to hers for a kiss.
The teenage boy's eyes were big. "Te-Temari," he tried to speak but ended up licking her neck instead. Shikamaru knew the next move. He loosened his belt and pulled off his pants. After he was positioned above her again, he spoke. "Are you sure about this?" He checked and double checked.
Temari popped her head up and looked down between their bodies. She took a deep breath as she studied his penis which pulsated warmly against her thigh. She nodded her head.
Shikamaru kissed her again. This was the first time he'd ever seen her speechless. Reaching down, the inexperienced teen caressed his girlfriend on her no-no spot till his found what he was looking for.
"Ahhhh," she drawn her legs together signaling to him he was in the right place.
Shikamaru brushed his finger over her clitoris causing the blond to twist her back in pleasure. He was starting to get the hand of this.
"Ahhh, nnnnmmmmhhhhh-" She called out until he pressed his tongue against hers.
Pressing his fingers together, Shikamaru took note of the stickiness that dripped from his girlfriend. She was ready. Gently he guided himself into her canal sending sensational pleasure through his loins. He moved by instinct allowing nature to take over.
"Aughhh," Temari dug her nails into his back as she lost her virginity and mind all at the same time.
…
Shikamaru stared up at the ceiling then at the top of Temari's head which was situated on his chest. "Soooo, I take it we aren't going anywhere then?" Shikamaru asked with his arm tightly wrapped around his girl.
Temari smiled. "Uhn uh!" She shook her head and squeezed him.
Later that night
Sasuke stood outside of an abandoned looking building somewhere in the heart of Konoha. He ran moist palms through his hair as he finished up a cigarette then dropped the butt to the ground. He thought about the motive that was pushing him to come here. He had gone days now without it; each getting progressively worst. He looked over his shoulder. That feeling was back, like someone was watching. He chalked it up to fatigue. He wasn't sleeping right. He wasn't thinking right. He just wasn't right. Was his craving really worth it? Was his addiction strong enough to get him caught up again? Why couldn't he find the courage to stop? Sasuke shut his eyes hard and reopened them slowly. That's why. He thought pushing Naruto to the furthest reaches of his mind. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw him. Since Monday it had happened even more often. He needed to clear his head, before he went even crazier.
Letting out a deep sigh of frustration. Sasuke realized only one thing was certain about the whole situation.
Orochimaru would be glad to see him.